Tamil Nadu: Farmers in Palani face problems as pond gates are permanently closed.

Tamil Nadu: Complaints have been received that rice crops are dying because the Public Works Department has permanently closed the emergency sluice gate on the banks of the old Ayyakudi Kumaranayakkan pond near Palani without the knowledge of the farmers.

Kumaranayakkankulam is one of the ponds that is fed by water from the Varadamanathi Dam near Palani. This pond is currently full of water. A sluice gate was built near the crossing point behind this pond to release water in case of emergency and to open and close when the water level drops to irrigate the fields behind the canal. Currently, the rice crop is growing well in the land behind the pond, and when water is scarce, the only way to get light is to open this sluice gate. When farmers visited the site, they were shocked to find that the sluice gate had been removed and completely blocked with stones.

Farmer Raja said:

During the repair work, the culvert was completely removed and a building was built with the stones. Furthermore, the culvert’s existence is unknown because trees are lying there. This culvert is still listed with the Public Works Department. Therefore, it’s not known who removed the culvert and built the building, he said.

Farmer Demangani said: “This dam should be rebuilt soon. And the Public Works Department should immediately address our water needs.” He said he didn’t know what to do if the rice fields, cultivated with thousands of rupees in loans, are completely affected and damaged.

Meanwhile, farmers have poured sewage water into their fields to save their rice crops. Therefore, Public Works Department officials should inspect the site and provide water immediately. The farmers also demanded appropriate action be taken against Nabas, who illegally removed the culvert.